Can Vatican rule Sunday obligation not met, despite valid mass?

[Digitonomy]

In another thread, I came upon this interesting proposition:

If the Holy See were to simply state that one’s Sunday obligation was not satisfied at a Mass where this was done, the practice would stop.

I’m not sure the Holy See has that authority. It seems to me the Sunday obligation is divine law from the time of Moses (not that Moses went to Sunday mass…). Since the actions in question do not invalidate the mass, it seems that one’s Sunday obligation under divine law would be satisfied.

I suppose the Vatican could impose whatever additional obligations it chose, but generally it does so deriving its authority from divine law and natural law. If I’m correct in my previous paragraph, then declaring that Catholics attending an illicit mass don’t fulfill a Sunday obligation seems to be partially at odds with divine law.

Can someone clarify if there is any foundation to my thoughts, and if not where I’m making my mistake?

 

[Antegin]

In another thread

, I came upon this interesting proposition:I’m not sure the Holy See has that authority.

The authority of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (in the past known as the Holy See) comes from the Holy Father who received his authority directly from Christ who said, (It has been quoted so often do I really need to repeat it?)

It seems to me the Sunday obligation is divine law from the time of Moses (not that Moses went to Sunday mass…)

 

[Digitonomy]

Jesus, who is Divine, is the full realization of everything the law was meant to be. He said, The antiquity of the law does not affect Jesus, or the Popes He delegates, ability to address Sabbath practices and make adjustments as necessary to keep the Sabbath a time of rest and spiritual renewal.

Nonetheless, the pope’s power in this area is not unlimited. Could the Vatican require that we attend mass twice every Sunday to fulfill our obligation? Could it state that our Sunday obligation may only be met by attending a mass celebrated by a bishop? Could it require attendance at Tuesday mass to fulfill our obligation?

Antegin:

The Sunday obligation is not about the validity of other masses or even other services. The liturgical year is built around a complete presentation of salvation history which takes 3 years to complete. Other masses like nuptual masses, canonization masses and local cultural church celebrations are still valid masses, but they don’t continue this cycle and don’t meet the Sunday obligation.

Two points:

1. 
   *]The 3-year cycle is a recent innovation.
   *]Your statement on other masses being used to fulfill our Sunday obligation is directly contradicted by canon law.
   

   Can. 1248 §1 The obligation of assisting at Mass is satisfied wherever Mass is celebrated in a catholic rite either on a holyday itself or on the evening of the previous day.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

In another thread, I came upon this interesting proposition:I’m not sure the Holy See has that authority. It seems to me the Sunday obligation is divine law from the time of Moses (not that Moses went to Sunday mass…). Since the actions in question do not invalidate the mass, it seems that one’s Sunday obligation under divine law would be satisfied.

I suppose the Vatican could impose whatever additional obligations it chose, but generally it does so deriving its authority from divine law and natural law. If I’m correct in my previous paragraph, then declaring that Catholics attending an illicit mass don’t fulfill a Sunday obligation seems to be partially at odds with divine law.

Can someone clarify if there is any foundation to my thoughts, and if not where I’m making my mistake?

Attendance at Holy Day Mass (which includes Sunday) is a precept of the Church and can be changed by the authority of the Church or Pope.

 

[Evan]

The Vatican could change what is required to fulfill our Sunday obligation (Keep holy the Lord’s day). Presently it is a mass (either on Sunday or Saturday evening). It could change it to anything that involves God, the Community, and Prayer.

Presently, the Sunday obligation is also fulfilled by a communion service if a priest is not available and you cannot get to a location where a mass is said.

If you just cannot get to mass (sickness, injury, war zone, etc) you have not fulfilled your obligation BUT you have not incurred a sin either since the required action was rendered impossible. You should still spend extra time in prayer, but you cannot fulfill your obligation.

 

[BobP123]

Can. 1248 §1 The obligation of assisting at Mass is satisfied wherever Mass is celebrated in a catholic rite either on a holyday itself or on the evening of the previous day.

§2 If it is impossible to assist at a eucharistic celebration, either because no sacred minister is available or for some other grave reason, the faithful are strongly recommended to take part in a liturgy of the Word, if there be such in the parish church or some other sacred place, which is celebrated in accordance with the provisions laid down by the diocesan Bishop; or to spend an appropriate time in prayer, whether personally or as a family or, as occasion presents, in a group of families.